Perth Modern School students Ollie Pulsford and Mia Judkins have hit the scholarship jackpot, wining the prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship for study at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra.

From 785 applicants for Stage 1, 25 students from across Australia were chosen as recipients. Of the successful applicants from across Australia, only three students in WA received the Tuckwell. The other successful student from WA was Isabel Longbottom who attends Rossmoyne Senior High School.

The Tuckwell Scholarship provides all tuition throughout their degree, accommodation, a mentoring program, free gymnasium, access to a scholar's campus plus much more.

The scholarships are due to the generosity of Graham and Louise Tuckwell who have contributed $200 million over 30 years to fund a major expansion of the Tuckwell Scholarship Program at ANU in what was Australia’s largest philanthropic donation to a university.

The Tuckwell is not only to do with academic achievements, it is also about the applicant’s desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential and make a positive difference in the world.

Ollie said he was particularly interested in photonic engineering as it has applications in renewable energy and theoretical physics.

“[Being offered a Tuckwell] is huge as I think it will be a really interesting environment in Canberra, I am really going to enjoy the different opportunities over there in terms of study, jobs and exchange programs,” Ollie said.

“The engineering/science undergraduate degree at UNU is a fantastic program where you get to do actual research and some undergraduate students get to publish research before they have even graduated.”

Mia, 17, said she was also excited about studying in Canberra as it was the hub of politics in Australia and full of interesting museums, art galleries and other cultural places of national significance.

“Being able to experience one of the best universities in the world HECs free is such an incredible opportunity that I am really grateful for and I am thrilled for my parents who will not need to be as burdened financially while I am studying interstate,” Mia said.

“I am really looking forward to making lots of contacts, meeting interesting people and being mentored by previous Tuckwell scholars.”

‘I want to use the gift of the scholarship as a springboard to help really make a difference in the world.”